By Firstdespatch Desk Feb 12, 2025
Agartala, Feb 12 (FD) The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, emphasised the Union Budget 2025-26 as a visionary roadmap for the development of the Northeast region, positioning it as a key player in India's journey to becoming the world’s third-largest economy.
Highlighting the budget’s strategic focus, Sonowal underscored its role in unlocking the region’s economic potential and driving sustainable growth. The Union Minister also took a sharp dig at the opposition by highlighting how the PM Narendra Modi led Govt has raised the tax devolution for Tripura by 430% at ₹471.69 billions since 2014 (upto 2024) when compared to the previous decade (2004-2014) at ₹89 billions under the govts by the Congress & the Left parties.
Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the Union Budget 2025-26 reaffirms the government’s commitment to the Northeast region with a significant capital expenditure rise of 9%, from ₹256.77 billion to ₹279.80 billion. This increased outlay will drive infrastructure growth, enhance connectivity, and integrate the region into India’s journey towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy. With successive developmental and inclusive budget, the PM Narendra Modi ji led NDA govt has been undoing the injustice the neglect that the Northeast region endured under the Congress and the Left Governments. "Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, the government has significantly increased tax devolution for Tripura by 430%—rising from ₹89 billion during 2004-2014 under Congress and Left governments to ₹471.69 billion between 2014-2024.”
Emphasising the Union Budget's role as a catalyst for social welfare and sustainable development, Sarbananda Sonowal further stated, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji envisions an inclusive and self-reliant Atmanirbhar Bharat by 2047. In line with this vision, the budget strengthens the middle class by increasing the income tax limit to ₹12 lakh, boosting disposable income and expanding the economy's overall spending capacity.”
Highlighting Tripura’s ascendency since 2014 under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, the Union Minister said, “Under the inspiring leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, Tripura’s growth story has been transformative, with tax devolution surging by 430% to ₹471.69 billion since 2014. Special Assistance for Capital Investment has risen to ₹8.13 billion, while strategic initiatives like Smart Cities Mission and NESIDS projects are driving infrastructure development. With the International Internet Gateway, Tripura is now a digital gateway for the Northeast.”
On Assam, the Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Since 2014, PMNarendra Modi ji led Union Government has prioritised infrastructure development as a key driver of progress in every state, especially for the states from the Northeast region. From the ₹10,037 crore UNNATI-2024 scheme to the ₹27,000 crore semiconductor ATMP unit in Assam, transformative investments are fuelling industrial growth, education, and healthcare. With AIIMS Guwahati, new medical colleges, and South Asia’s largest cancer hospital network, the Northeast is emerging as a hub of opportunity and development.”
“The unprecedented infrastructure push in the Northeast including Assam and Tripura, is a testament to PM Narendra Modi ji’s vision of inclusive growth& development. From the first International Multi-Modal Logistics Park in Jogighopa to Northeast’s first National Data Centre in Guwahati, these projects are unlocking economic potential. With over ₹104.4 billions allocated for development and upgradation of railways network, 2,796 km of highways built, and Smart Cities and airport expansions, the region is poised to become a major trade and connectivity hub. This transformative development is laying the foundation for the Northeast to play a key role in India’s journey to becoming the world’s third-largest economy by 2030,” said Sarbananda Sonowal.
The unprecedented infrastructure push in the Northeastis laying the foundation for a thriving regional economy that will significantly contribute to India’s goal of becoming the world’s third-largest economy by 2030. With transformative projects in rail, road, air, waterways, digital connectivity, and industrial expansion, the region is being positioned as a key driver of national growth. Strategic initiatives such as the development of multimodal logistics parks, the semiconductor ATMP unit, and the expansion of smart cities ensure long-term economic sustainability. This holistic approach reflects the government’s commitment to integrating the Northeast into India’s larger economic trajectory. PRESS RELEASE